Plant A Row for the Hungry (PAR) is a national people-helping-people program that encourages gardeners to grow a little extra and donate the produce to local soup kitchens and food pantries serving the homeless and hungry in their local communities.
How Can I Help?
Our local food banks are grateful for any donations from local gardeners. Your donation of fresh produce will go a long way to providing a nutritious meal to a child or family in need.
We currently have two drop-off locations:
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Hunger and Health Coalition in Boone, NC
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Hospitality House in Boone NC
If you cannot drop-off, we will try to arrange a pick-up! Find out more here:
Is My Donation Tax-Deductible?
Yes! When you drop off your donation, a staff member will weigh the produce, and provide you with a donation receipt and a huge THANK YOU!
What Should I Grow?
Please consider growing items for donation that are most needed by local families:
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collards
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lettuce
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cabbage
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carrots
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kale
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tomatoes
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peppers
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squash/winter squash
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beans
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any greens
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corn
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potatoes
We are also happy to take other donations of fruits, fresh herbs or vegetables!
How Do I Get Started?
Need some gardening advice? Check out these Getting Started with At-home Gardening resources from NC Extension. Need help knowing when to plant seeds or starts for our mountain climate? Check out our helpful guide (Word Doc format)here.
Can I Donate Produce Even If I Don't Sign Up?
Of course! We will happily take your donation at any time. However, if you sign up we can provide you with a starter kit that includes seeds and helpful info on growing your selected crop! And of course a special thank you card from the HHC.
We'll also add you to our newsletter list so you can see what other donors are doing in the community, and give you options to join in friendly competitions. We'll also send you helpful gardening tips, recipes, and a list of most needed produce items for that month.
A Time to Help Our Neighbors in Need
The need to provide healthy food for our struggling neighbors has never been greater! Please consider getting involved. For more information, contact us at info@growwatauga.org
Drop-off Locations
Hunger and Health Coalition
You can bring your produce to Hunger and Health Coalition located at 141 Health Center Dr # C, Boone, NC 28607. No need to get out of your car....just give us a call to let us know you are coming and we will send someone out to safely collect your food donation! 828.262.1628. The Hunger and Health Coalition is open to the public M-F from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Hospitality House
The Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina is a transitional living facility and homeless shelter. They are always looking for fresh produce to serve during meal times. Hospitality House is located at 338 Brook Hollow Road, Boone NC 28607 828.264.1237.
We will be looking to expand our program and drop-off locations as the season progresses, so stay tuned!
If you cannot drop-off your produce, please give us a call to arrange pickup! We will try to make convenient arrangements. And thank you!!
Can I Start a Chapter of Plant a Row in my Own Community?
Of course! We've got starter materials that you are free to use and/or modify. Or you can drop us a line at growwatauga@gmail.com and we are happy to answer any questions you might have!